Ladies First Choice

Ladies First Choice
NEWSLETTER
(727) 535-4446
1-888-301-4404 Toll Free
18746 U.S. Hwy. 19 N - Clearwater, FL 33764
Ladies,
Kelly
Lou
This is a very special issue of our
Newsletter, and as you read through it you
will meet two very special ladies. We
were looking over our customer list and
came across two ladies who are truly
remarkable and merit recognition that they
so much deserve. We have been publishing our Newsletter for 16 years. We focus
attention on ladies who are cancer survivors and who inspire, give hope and are
role models for others. We are happy to
share the lives of these two wonderful
ladies with you. After reading the article
let us know how their lives have inspired
you to live life to the fullest. Take a
moment to reflect on your life and your
situation. Despite the stress and depression that cancer may have on you, you can
turn that negative into a positive by enjoying life to its fullest. Take a moment from
your day and think about what has happened to make you smile and what you
are thankful for. Answering these questions will show you how little things you
overlook or take for granted can play such
a strong role in your happiness. Every day
is a gift and a blessing!
Our goal at Ladies First Choice is to help
women with breast cancer resume their
normal lifestyle activities. Our goal is to
provide you with high quality products
and guidance so that your daily lives are
Rose
Claudia
Sylvia
returned back to normal, while focusing on
the need to reaffirm your sense of femininity.
Ladies First Choice would like to thank each
of you for your support over the past 28
years, please know that we are committed to
restoring you a positive body image, confidence and self esteem.
Well, Spring has sprung, and that usually
means spring cleaning time. If you come
across mastectomy products that you no
longer use, please donate them to us. We will
pass these products along to the American
Cancer Society to help other women. We are
also having an encore with our free bra gift
on your next fitting. Just mention “free bra”
during your next fitting and receive one of
our more popular styled surgical bras, the
Almost-U Lace Bandeau Bra, style #1260 (a
$40.00 value). This offer will end June 30th,
so call for an appointment now to visit our
store, or for an in-home fitting.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
The greatest blessing in Life
is that we can Love
If Life is a battle, Love is the victory
If Life is a story, Love is its theme
If Life is music, Love is its melody
If Life is a flower,
Love is the fragrance
Established 1985
SPRING 2013
Spring
Fling Sale
Brenda
Come see what’s new at
Ladies First Choice
SPECIAL EVENT
Buy one new 2013 Swim Suit Get
the 2nd one at 20% off!
2013 Swimsuits
& Wraps are here
Stop by and see our new selection
of swimsuits and wraps
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Special Milestones – pg. 2-3
Product Showcase – pg. 4-5
Save on A/C Bills! – pg. 6
About Us - pg. 7
April 24th Birthday
If this is your birthday and you are a
Ladies First Choice customer,
you have just won a
$10 COUPON
Ladies First Choice is a fully accredited facility. As an organization fostering, stimulating and maintaining
the highest standards of competent and ethical practices.
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SPRING NEWSLETTER 2013
Special Milestones!
Dorothy
Josephine
Words cannot express the warmth and kindness displayed by two very special ladies of Ladies First Choice.
Both ladies have achieved a very significant milestone in their lives by each having their 100th birthday during
this spring. They are mastectomy survivors who live each day to the fullest and truly inspire those around
them to realize that life is a precious and beautiful gift from God. Each day has meaning and is greeted with a
warm, cheerful smile. If you pause and think about it, just imagine all the history each of these ladies has
witnessed and experienced in their lifetime. It is our pleasure to have you meet our two very special ladies,
Ms. Dorothy Hedke and Ms. Josephine Cover.
Ms. Dorothy Hedke will be 100 years young on April 8th. Dorothy was born in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
(yes, the home of Punxsutawney Phil) and moved to Florida in 1946. Dorothy has been a mastectomy survivor
since 1987. Dorothy is widowed and had three children, she is currently living at home and is attended to by
her daughter Hazel. Can you imagine her birthday party with nine grandchildren, twenty one great grandchildren, and five great, great grandchildren!
Dorothy was a volunteer for over thirty years at Bayfront Medical Center gift shop. She enjoyed knitting
afghans, baby hats and blankets and donated them to the newborns at the hospital. When asked for her secrets
for longevity, Dorothy never smoked, never drank and never set foot in a McDonalds Restaurant. But one
thing Dorothy always does, is carry her lipstick in her pocket. Lipstick is a must. She loves to cook and eats
her three meals a day. She’s a meat and potatoes gal, but must have her fresh fruit. Dorothy lives along the
Riviera Bay canal in St. Petersburg and hunted blue crabs with her husband.
On a summer day Dorothy would attend to another passion, her garden and grow her favorite flowers that
are red roses. But she is also fond of sunflowers and birds of paradise. When the afternoons came, she would
be caught watching her favorite soap opera, All My Children, with of course, her heroine, Susan Lucci. And
maybe you saw her in a United Way TV commercial raising money in St. Petersburg or on the Bill Murphy
TV show.
Dorothy loves the Lord and attended church regularly. Prayer was her thing. When travelling about town on
the bus, she would say a prayer instead of listening to the radio. She was the perfect hostess and never said a
bad word about anyone. She always looks for the good in a person.
Rick Scott, our Florida governor, sent a personal letter to Dorothy applauding her for her unique accomplishment. Dorothy, have a very Happy and Wonderful Birthday.
Ms. Josephine Cover will be 100 years young on May 18th. When first greeted in her room at Freedom
Square, Seminole Pavilion Rehab and Nursing Services, she exclaimed, “I am not any better, I am not any
worse, but I’m still not ready to ride in a hearse!” And what a smile she wore as she greeted me into her
private room.
Jo attended Kent State University and graduated with a School Teaching Diploma in 1932. She also attended
Youngstown University and received her Bachelors of Science degree in teaching in 1943. Jo taught school for
35 years, teaching kindergarten, first, second and third grades.
Jo has been a mastectomy survivor since 1946. She did not want to get married, but met a wonderful gentleman Harold, and they were married in 1948. Harold told her that he loved her regardless, and told her he
“loved what was between her ears!” Josephine and Harold were married for 35 years but never had children.
Her favorite quote from Harold was “I don’t love you, I adore you!” Josephine had her second mastectomy in
1985. She called her prosthesis “her pin cushions.”
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SPRING NEWSLETTER 2013
Special Milestones! cont.
Jo promised Harold that she would leave teaching after 35 years and relocate to Florida. They moved to the
Mainlands in Pinellas Park. Jo enjoyed travelling, mostly cruises to Mexico, Latin America and her favorite,
Alaska. And like all women, she still enjoys shopping on Fridays at the mall.
And wow, does she have a great memory! While living in Youngstown, Ohio she remembers radio broadcasts
from the Pittsburgh radio station KDKA and watching a little black square box called a TV. Her favorite
show was Amos and Andy. She recalls the purchases of an electric sweeper and washer. But what she recalls
the most exciting was the United States landing on the moon.
Today Jo is still a pistol. She truly has a beautiful mind. She assists in arts and crafts classes on Tuesdays at
Freedom Square. She is skilled in needlepoint and during WWII, she knit the coverings for sailors and soldiers
who lost their limbs in the fighting. She quit smoking cold turkey, in 1959 and can’t remember the last time
she had a drink. She did not like to cook, but would cook Harold’s favorite meal of steak, potatoes and green
beans. Afterwards, Harold would suggest to Jo that they could go out to dinner. Jo enjoys reading and writing
poems. For your enjoyment please read Josephine’s poem, “I never thought I’d live to see 100 years”.
Josephine also has written a poem about each month of the year. We will print several of her poems in the
newsletter in the months to come.
To Dorothy and Jo, it was a pleasure spending a few hours reminiscing with each of you. We should all be so
lucky to have lived such memorable lives filled with love and joy. Happy Birthday!
I never thought I’d live to see 100 years
when I look at the past, to my eyes there are tears.
I’m not any better and I’m not any worse
and I’m still not ready to ride in a hearse.
I taught them all their ABC’s
and to cover their mouth when they had to sneeze.
They learned to count to twenty by twos
and also how to tie their shoes.
They learned to read with Dick and Jane
and they did very well so I couldn’t complain.
Out on the playground there were a lot of things
and especially they liked the swings.
A merry-go-round was a lot of fun but they
got out of breath because they had to push and run.
Rain, rain go away-come again some other day.
In the room we have to stay-and cannot go out to play.
They thought the Hokey Pokey was a lot of fun
But they also liked games where they could run.
They like to play Farmer in the Dell
And they did it very well.
Milk and cookies they liked the best
And then they had to take a rest.
They liked music and to sing
And sometimes they made the rafters ring.
It was fun to cut and paste
And there was always someone to take a taste.
I was glad when the day was done
Because all day I had been on the run.
When they were all on the bus I was ready to collapse
But I hurried home to relax.
~Jo Cover ~
Some were slow and some were smart
But they all had a special place in my heart.
~Jo Cover ~ December 6, 2012
SPRING IS IN THE AIR!
3
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
Essential Swim Wear for Springtime is here...
Stop in and try on a bathing suit from one of our newest prints, from Anita and Amoena. Our bright new sarongs are so
flattering and each has a special nylon tummy control panel to support and slim. Our sale rack is full with a bundle of
different prints. Pick out a Tankini or Blouson top in any size, and add shorts or a skirt. Cover-ups in many colors are
also available to add some fun in the sun!
Summer Light
Tankini
Colourful Mix
Blue Lagoon
Berry Shades
Amoena swimwear gives
women the confidence to
show off their figure and be
active again, whether on the
beach or in the pool. Clever
tailoring and modern fabrics
result in high quality swimsuits that are both stylish and
comfortable to wear.
Integrated pockets keep a
breast form or shaper in
place. The Amoena
Collection includes a wide
selection of styles and
designs for
every taste.
SwimDress
Sunset
Many Styles
Ladies First Choice is the Exclusive Dealer for the Mini Cami!
Many styles to select from
Feminine, Fashionable & Functional
Glitz
Mesh Stripes
• A strapless mini camisole that slips over your head
• Easily attaches to post-mastectomy bra strap with
Velcro application
• Covers a plunging neckline in style, including
breast forms
• Discretely hides surgical scars & imperfections
• Stretch material conforms to body type
• Ideal for casual, office & evening attire
COMFORT AND FASHION, FIND IT IN OUR BOUTIQUE!
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PRODUCT SHOWCASE
Many Colors
& Styles
to choose from
Back
View
Allure Bra #512
Embrace Bra #503
#114
Casual T-Shirt Bra #114
Style 1260
Lace Accent
Bandeau
Bra
Style 403
Lightweight
Rounded
Tri-Side
Style 1500
Front & Back
Closure
Bra
NEW!
Coobie Seamless Bras
Coobie 9042
• Ultra comfortable fit with a
smooth finish and a v-neck line
• Lace trim for added style
• Removable and adjustable straps
Coobie 9012
• Ribbing on sides for contoured
fit and support
• Removable and adjustable straps
• Colors: black, white, nude
Coobie 9060
• Comfort bra
• Extra wide straps
• Ruching at center bust for shape
• Includes removable pad for modesty
and enhanced curves
FASHIONS FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE
5
SPRING NEWSLETTER 2013
A thank you note from
Hazel
March 12,2013
Rose Urtnowski, CMF
Since many of you would like to be fit in the privacy of your home,
we would like you to meet our new certified mastectomy in-home fitter. Rose has been with Ladies First Choice for two years and has
been doing in-home fittings since January. Rose is a Board Certified
Mastectomy Fitter and received her certification from the American
Board of Certification for Prosthetics and Orthotics. We would like to
tell you a little about her.
Rose is from Long Island, New York, and decided that the hustle and
bustle of the New York lifestyle was too much. Her future husband
Ray, was also living in New York and had family in Seminole,
Florida. Both Rose and Ray wanted to help with family matters here
in Florida. Rose moved to Tampa and helped take care of her aunt,
who was a mastectomy survivor and Ray became his mom’s caretaker. They married in 2009.
Rose loves her job at Ladies First Choice, and when you meet her,
you too will fall in love with her. To Rose, family is everything. She
is from a very large Italian family and loves to cook. If you like
Italian food, ask her for her favorite Italian recipes. She can go on
forever about food. Rose wants everyone to look forward to their inhome fitting, her goal is to make sure you are comfortable and happy
with your mastectomy products and truly feel good about yourself.
Rose will not leave your home without a smile on your face.
Currently Ray has cancer, but fortunately it is in remission. Rose
takes great care of Ray and always maintains a wonderful sense of
humor.
Every lady is asked to complete a questionnaire about their fitting
experience at Ladies First Choice. Here are a few of the many comments from Rose’s ladies:
“Rosie was a delightful, professional fit specialist. The in-home visit
made me feel special. I always went to the shop.”
Audrey E., March 11, 2013
“Rosie was on time. Took time to make sure bras fit well. Was
friendly, polite and knew her job well.” Dorothy D.,
February 11, 2013
What did you like best about our service?: “Everything - very professional, on time. Knew what I needed for comfort, especially being a
double mastectomy.” Is there anything we can do to improve our
services?:
“No, it was perfect.” Maureen G., February 3, 2013
Call Ladies First Choice to schedule your in-home fitting. Rose will
schedule an appointment at your convenience. The in-home fittings
also qualify ladies for a FREE BRA...
The Almost U Lace Bandeau Bra, style #1260.
ALL OUR FITTERS ARE BOARD CERTIFIED
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Pan Cream Puffs
1 stick margarine
4 eggs
1 cup flour
8 oz. cream cheese
3 cups milk
2 sm. boxes french vanilla pudding
8 oz. Cool Whip
Hershey’s syrup
Bring to boil:
1 stick margarine and
1 cup water
Remove from heat
Add 1 cup flour. Beat until it forms a ball.
Add 4 eggs, beating in one at a time.
Spray jelly roll pan with Pam.
Spread into pan and bake in oven
for 30 minutes at 375 degrees.
Cool, it will fall.
Beat 8 oz. pkg. softened cream cheese.
Slowly mix in 3 cups milk and
2 small boxes instant french vanilla pudding.
Spread on puff pastry.
Spread 8 oz. Cool Whip ontop.
Drizzle with Hershey’s syrup.
Swirl with knife.
Refrigerate
SPRING NEWSLETTER 2013
This
Newsletter’s
Myth of the
Month . . .
Always Brush after Eating
Yes, Mom said cleaning your teeth is a
must - but don’t be in too big a hurry,
especially if you’ve been enjoying
acidic items like citrus fruit, soda,
sports drinks or wine which can erode
tooth enamel and the layer just
beneath it, called dentin. Brushing
immediately worsens the damage by
grinding the corrosive substance into
your pearly whites. So give it about an
hour while your saliva neutralizes the
acid. Anxious to freshen up? Rinse
your mouth with water, chew sugar
free gum or munch on raw veggies like
carrots and celery, which will help to
scrub away the stains.
Chemotherapy and when you don’t feel like eating...
You know it’s important to eat well, but when you’re a chemo patient sometimes
you just don’t feel like eating. This may happen because chemo has side effects
like nausea or mouth and throat problems making it difficult or even painful to
eat. You can lose your appetite if you feel depressed or tired. When a poor
appetite is the problem, try these hints:
• Eat small meals or snacks whenever you want. You don’t have to eat three
regular meals each day.
• Vary your diet and try new foods and recipes.
• When possible, take a walk before meals this makes you feel hungrier.
• Try changing your mealtime routine. For example, eat by candlelight or in a
different location.
• Eat with friends or family members. When eating alone, listen to the radio or
watch TV.
• If you live alone, you might want to arrange for “Meals on Wheels” to bring
you food.
LADIES FIRST CHOICE
ABOUT US...
Our company was established in
1985, and was the first company to do
in-home fittings. While we still do inhome fittings, we opened our
Clearwater boutique in 2002.
Over the years, we have always put
our customer first by providing both
convenient in-home fittings and a fully
stocked boutique.
We are a fully accredited facility certified by The American Board for
Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics
and Pedorthics. All fitters are Board
Certified and provide you with the proper fitting and selection of the lightest
weighted breast forms on the market
and flattering bras, bathing suits, lingerie, wigs and full figure bras.
Please visit our store often as we are
always bringing in the newest products
from our suppliers. These new breastforms, stylish bras, bathing suits, wigs
and lingerie will make you feel like new
again.
We carry a full line of fourteen major
brands of mastectomy products from:
Active
Amoena
Jodee
Jilliana
Camp
Still You
Airway
Nearly Me
Almost U
Classique
Silique
Anita
American Breast Care
Come to the store to see our “wall of
bras” for the largest selection of fashionable bras in Florida. Both a wide
variety of new colors and patterns are
now available.
We are in the following counties:
Pinellas
Pasco
Hillsborough Manatee
Hernando
Polk
Sarasota
We accept assignment on most insurance companies, Medicare, HMO’s, and
PPO’s. We have a billing department
designed to handle all claims and
answer your insurance questions.
The boutique is conveniently located
in central Pinellas County. We are located on US 19, but we realize that the area
is under construction. There is an easy
alternative to traveling on US 19. Try
coming down east on Nursery Road and
enter a north access road just west of
US 19. Look for our sign on Nursery
Road. Or just call us for more detailed
directions. SEE YOU SOON!
WE PROVIDE IN HOME FITTINGS -NO CHARGE-!
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Ladies First Choice
PRESORTED STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
ST. PETERSBURG,FL
PERMIT # 4
18746 U.S. Hwy. 19 N
Clearwater, FL 33764
(727) 535-4446 • 1 (888) 301-4404
PHONE: 727- 535- 4446
TOLL-FREE: 1-888-301- 4404
Store Hours: Monday - Friday 10 - 5
Saturday 10 - 2 (By Appointment Only)
Driving directions...
Coming from Tampa take 60 West to US 19 go South, we are
on the right after the Hess and before McDonalds. Coming
from South US 19 go North to Belleair Rd.(light) turn left go
to traffic light at Belcher Rd. and turn right, go to next traffic
light, Nursery Rd. turn right, before you get to US 19, you will
see our sign on the left.
Call the store for details.
Summer
will be here
soon...
We have many
Swim Suits to
choose from.
Ladies First Choice
NEWSLETTER
Spring 2013
We accept assignment on all MEDICARE, HMOs & PPOs.
We will get your authorization or prescription.
Let our billing department do all the work.
Established
1985